1. the quality or state of being regressive, especially in taxation where the burden falls more heavily on lower-income groups
Usage: economics; taxation
2. the tendency to return to an earlier or less advanced state
Usage: psychology; statistics

Examples

• The regressivity of the sales tax means poor families pay a higher percentage of their income.
• Economists debated the regressivity of the proposed flat tax system.
• The study examined the regressivity of various state tax policies.
• Critics pointed to the regressivity of user fees for public services.
• The regressivity of the data suggested a return to previous patterns.
• Psychologists noted the regressivity in the patient’s behavior under stress.